Arm element for awnings and articulated arm for awnings

ABSTRACT

Arm element for an awning and an articulated arm for an awning is disclosed. It consists of an arm part that has a tubular element with a front perimeter edge in at least one end, and a securing part, which includes a securing configuration, a connection configuration and a perimeter surface around said connection configuration. The front perimeter edge and the perimeter surface are orientated according to a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal line of the arm part. The connection configuration is plugged into the hollow interior of the end of the arm part and the front perimeter edge of the arm part is supported against the perimeter surface of the securing part. The articulated arm for an awning is made up of such arm elements.

FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE

This invention concerns an arm element for an awning that consists of an arm part comprising a tubular element and at least one securing part plugged into one end of the arm part, where a perimeter front edge of the tubular element and a perimeter contact surface of the securing part are orientated according to an inclined transverse plane. This invention also concerns an articulated arm for an awning that consists of at least two parts as described above, where the respective adjacent securing parts define mutual articulated securing configurations.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The method of constructing arm elements for awnings from tubular profiles cut to the required length so that presenting a perimeter front edge at each of its ends orientated according to a substantially perpendicular transversal plane with respect to a central longitudinal line of the arm part, with the tubular profiles terminated by a pair of moulded securing parts that define generally articulated securing parts is well-known. Each of the said securing parts has a connection configuration designed to be plugged into the said connection end of the arm part, and a narrow perimeter surface, arranged around the said connection configuration, adapted to support against the said perimeter front edge of the arm part providing a stop for the cited plug-in connection.

International patents application WO 98/01638 of the actual applicant describes an articulated arm consisting of arm elements with the above described construction. Utility model ES-A-1052733 described an articulated elbow in which the articulation comprises a pair of parts adapted to be plugged into the corresponding tubular elements in a similar manner to that described above. One inconvenience of such plug-in connections is that the mentioned perimeter surface support arranged around the connection configuration of the securing parts against the said perimeter front edge is useful during installation, but contributes very little to increase the connection strength. This is because the arms of this type of awning are mounted in an overhanging fashion, frequently in a horizontal or slightly inclined plane, with one end of the arm element joined in an articulated manner to a support fixed to a wall or similar, with the other end of the other arm element joined in an articulated manner to a awning loading bar, and the adjacent ends of both arm elements connected together in an articulated fashion. The combined weight of the awning and that of the actual arm produce shear forces at the plug-in connections between the securing elements and the tubular arm elements. With use, the connection configurations of the securing parts tend to bend and the mouths of the tubular elements tend to open so that the plug-in connections loosen with negative effects of awning operation. Since the perimeter arms of the securing parts and perimeter frontal edges of the arm parts are orientated according to a substantially perpendicular transversal plane with respect to a central longitudinal line of the respective tubular elements, the interfaces between the two are vertical or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical and practically do nothing to counteract the mentioned shear forces.

One objective of this invention is that of contributing an arm element for an awning and an articulated arm for an awning in which the plug-in connections of the securing parts at the ends of the tubular elements of the arm parts contribute to counteract the forces produced by the weight of the awning and that of the arm itself when the awning is installed in a horizontal or inclined position.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The previous and other objectives are obtained in accordance with a first aspect of this invention, providing an arm element for an awning of the type that usually consists of an arm part that has a hollow tubular member and at least one connection end with a perimeter frontal edge and a securing part that has a securing configuration, at least one connection configuration and a perimeter surface around the said connection configuration, where the connection configuration is plugged into the said end of the arm part and the said perimeter front edge of the arm part is supported against the said perimeter surface of the securing part. The arm element of this invention is characterised because the perimeter front edge and the perimeter surface are orientated according to a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal line of the arm part.

The tubular member of the arm part has a flattened transversal section configuration, with a larger dimension generally orientated in the vertical direction. The mentioned securing is adapted to provide articulated securing with respect to a transversal axis of the said central longitudinal line of the tubular member. The mentioned transversal plane, according to how the perimeter front edge and the perimeter surface are orientated, is also inclined with respect to the cited articulation axis. The side of the inclination will depend on the direction of the rotational torque. In general, the upper end of the inclined perimeter front edge of the end of the tubular elements connection will be closer to the axis of the articulation than their lower ends when the opposite end of the tubular elements is supporting a load. In this way, the support of the inclined perimeter front edge on the inclined perimeter surface will cooperate in counteracting the loads applied to the arm part.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, an articulated arm for an awning is provided that consists of at least first and second arm parts, each of which has a hollow tubular member and first and second ends, into which the corresponding securing parts are plugged, fitted with articulated securing configurations, where the articulated securing configuration at one connection end of the first arm part is linked to an anchorage fixed to a wall or similar, the articulated securing configurations of the adjacent ends of the first and second arm parts are linked together and the articulated securing configuration of the opposite end of the second arm part is linked to an awning loading bar, with each of the connection being plug-in as described in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous characteristics and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of some production examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an arm element for an awning in accordance with this invention, but before installation;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an arm element for an awning in accordance with this invention, but after installation;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram that illustrates the effect of a load applied to the area of a conventional connection between a securing part and an arm part of the state of the technique;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram that illustrates the decomposition of the forces produced by the same load applied to the area of a connection between a securing part and an arm part in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an arm for an awning in accordance with this invention.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION EXAMPLES

First making reference to FIG. 1, the arm element for an awning of this invention comprises an arm part 1 that has a securing part 4 joined to at least one of its ends. The arm part consists of a hollow tubular member 2, obtained, for example, through aluminium extrusion and cut to measure so that it presents at least one connection end with a perimeter front edge 3. The securing part 4, which could be produced, for example, by injected aluminium injection, has a securing configuration 5, at least one connection configuration 6, which is adapted to be connected by being plugged into the hollow interior of the said connection end of the arm part 1, and a perimeter surface 7, arranged around the said connection configuration 6. Both the perimeter front edge 3 as well as the perimeter surface 7, are orientated in accordance with a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal line L of arm part 1.

FIG. 2 shows the installed arm element for an awning, with securing part 4 joined to the arm part 1 by means of a plug-in connection of the connection configuration 6 inside the hollow interior of the connection end of the arm part 1. The perimeter surface 7 of the securing part 4 is supported against the perimeter front edge 3 of the arm part 1, acting as usual, as a stop for the insertion of the connection configuration 6 during installation. However, the support of perimeter front edge 3 on the perimeter surface 7 also acts as reinforcement for the plug-in connection against vertical forces applied to the arm element just as will be described later in relation to FIG. 3B. The degree and direction of the inclination of the mentioned inclined transversal plane, according to how the perimeter front edge 3 and perimeter surface 7 are orientated, will depend on the configuration of the arm part 1, the type of securing configuration 5 and the application point of the forces.

The example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 corresponds to a usual application in the awning sector, in which the tubular member 2 of the arm part 1 has a flattened transversal section configuration, with a longer dimension usually orientated in the vertical direction and the said securing configuration 5 is adapted to provide securing that is articulated with respect to an axis E transversal to the central longitudinal line L and approximately vertical when the central longitudinal line L of the arm part 1 is in the horizontal position. In this case, the inclined transversal plane, to which the perimeter front edge 3 and perimeter surface 7 are orientated, is parallel to a line that is perpendicular both to the axis E and the central longitudinal line L. Although, in FIGS. 1 and 2 the securing configuration 5 is shown in the form of a fork, there are many others possible, such as a core with an axial orifice for an articulation pin etc.

The drawing shown in FIG. 3A is a securing part 4, which is plugged into an arm part 1 in accordance with the state of the technique. The securing part 4 is assumed to be fixed to a strong support bracket, symbolically represented by an embedment P, while the overhanging arm part 1 is held in place by securing part 4 and a load F is assumed to be applied to the end opposite the arm part 1 furthest away from securing part 4. Load F is assumed to be due to, for example, to the weight of the awning and of the actual arm itself and therefore has a vertical direction downwards. This load F, transferred to the conventional vertical connection interface between the perimeter surface 7 of the securing part 4 and the front perimeter edge 3 of the arm part 1, is converted practically completely into a shear force F_(c) applied to the connection configuration of the securing part 4 and the end of the arm part 1 connection. As can be seen, the friction on the perimeter surface 7 support of the securing part 4 over the front perimeter edge 3 of arm part 1 does not have any opposing effect on the shear force F_(c) because there is no force component normal to the interface.

FIG. 3B diagrammatically shows the securing part 4, plugged into arm part 1, in accordance with this invention. Here, the same load F, transferred to the inclined connection interface between the perimeter surface 7 of securing part 4 and the front perimeter edge 3 of arm part 1 is broken down into a shear force F_(c), parallel to the said interface and a normal compression force F_(n), perpendicular to the interface. As can be seen, the shear force F_(c) is smaller than that of the state of the technique shown in FIG. 3A, while the normal compression force F_(n) is withstood without any difficulty by the support of the perimeter surface 7 of the securing part 4 on the front perimeter edge 3 of arm part 1. Moreover, the friction zone area between the perimeter surface 7 and the front perimeter edge 3 is greater here compared to that of the state of the technique and the existence of a normal compression F_(n) creates a friction force that counteracts the shear force F_(c).

Angle A formed by the interface between the front perimeter edge 3 and perimeter surface 7 with respect to the central axis L of arm part 1 is less than 90° and preferably between 45 and 60°. The upper end of the said interface is closer to the articulation axis than the lower end of the same when the load is applied to arm part 1 and further away when the load is applied to securing arm 4.

The construction of the plug-in connection between securing part 4 and arm part 1 in accordance with this invention permits the existence of a longitudinal passage 8 in securing part 4 which communicates securing part 5 with the hollow interior of tubular member 2 of the arm part 1 through the connection configuration 6 for the passing of a tensioning element installed inside arm part 1, which is useful when the arm element is used for the formation of an articulated arm for an awning, just as described below.

With reference to FIG. 4, an articulated arm for an awning that consists of at least first and second arm parts elements 1 a and 1 b, each of which has a tubular member 2 a and 2 b with hollow interiors and first and second connection ends, each of which has a front perimeter edge 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d. Corresponding securing part 4 a, 4 b, 4 c and 4 d are plugged into each of the cited first and second connection ends of each arm part 1 a, 1 b, which have articulated securing configuration 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 5 d, at least one connection configuration and a perimeter surface 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d around the said connection configuration. The connection configurations (not shown in FIG. 4) are plugged into the corresponding connections ends of the respective arm parts 1 a, 1 b and the said front perimeter edge 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d of the arm parts 1 a, 1 b are supported against the said perimeter surface 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d of the corresponding securing parts 4 a, 4 b, 4 c and 4 d. In a similar fashion to the description given above, in relation to the arm element, in each of these plug-in connections, the front perimeter edge 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d, together with the corresponding perimeter surface 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d are orientated according to a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal line L of the associated arm part 1 a and 1 b.

The articulated securing configuration 5 a of the first connection of the first arm part 1 a is adapted for linking to a fixed anchor point, such as a wall or similar. The articulated securing configuration 5 b of the second connection end of the first arm part 1 a and the articulated securing configuration 5 c of the first connection end of the second arm part 1 b are linked together forming the articulated arm elbow. The articulated securing configuration 5 d of the second connection end of the second arm part 1 b is adapted for linking to an awning loading bar and consequently this is the point where a large percentage of the awning's weight will be applied.

The mentioned tubular walls 2 a, 2 b of the first and second arm parts 1 a and 1 b have a flat transversal section configuration, with a large dimension generally orientated in the vertical direction when the awning arm assembly is extended in a position that is substantially horizontal. The mentioned articulated securing configurations 5 a, 5 b, 5 c and 5 d are adapted to provide an articulated securing with respect to axes E that are substantially parallel and generally orientated in the vertical direction when the awning arm assembly is substantially horizontal. In each of the plug-in connections, the inclined transversal plane, according to which the perimeter front edge 3 a, 3 b, 3 c and 3 d and the associated perimeter surface 7 a, 7 b, 7 c and 7 d are orientated, is parallel to a line that is perpendicular to both the axis E as well as the longitudinal line L for the corresponding arm part 1 a, 1 b.

Taking into account that, during use, the arm is linked to a fixed anchor point by the articulated securing configuration 5 a of the first connection end of the first arm part 1 a and that the load is applied to the articulated securing configuration 5 d of the second connection end of the second arm part 1 b, the upper ends of the front perimeter edges 3 a and 3 c of the first connection ends of the first and second arm parts 1 a, 1 b and the upper ends of the corresponding perimeter surfaces 7 b and 7 c are closer to their respective axes E than the lower ends of the same, and the upper ends of the front perimeter edges 3 b and 3 d and the second connection ends of the first and second arm parts 1 a and 1 b and the upper ends of their corresponding perimeter surfaces 7 b and 7 d are further away from their respective axes E than the lower ends of the same.

The securing part 4 b of the second connection end of the first arm part 1 a includes a longitudinal passage (not shown), which joins the corresponding securing configuration 5 b with the hollow interior of tubular member 2 a of the first arm part la via the connection configuration, for the insertion of a tensioning element (not shown) installed inside the first arm part 1 a. As is normal, one end of the said tensioning element is connected to a fixed point of the first arm part 1 a and the other end is connected to the securing part 4 c of the first connection end of the second arm part 1 b to create a force torque that tends to locate the first and second are parts 1 a and 1 b in an extended position.

The described production examples and illustrated have a merely illustrative and non-limiting character with respect to the scope of this invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 

1. An arm element for an awning of the type that comprising an arm part that has a tubular member with a hollow interior and at least one connection end with a front perimeter edge, and a securing part with a securing configuration, at least one connection configuration and a perimeter surface around said connection configuration where the connection configuration is plugged into said connection end of the arm part and said front perimeter edge of the arm part is supported against said perimeter surface of the securing part, wherein both the front perimeter edge and the perimeter surface are orientated according to a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a longitudinal central line the arm part.
 2. An arm element in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tubular member of the arm part has a flattened transversal section configuration, with a larger dimension generally orientated in a vertical direction when in operation, and said securing configuration is adapted to provide an articulated securing with respect to an articulation axis that is transversal to a longitudinal central lines and approximately vertical when the longitudinal central line is in a horizontal position, with said inclined transversal plane, according to which the front perimeter edge and the perimeter surface are orientated, is parallel to a line that is perpendicular to the articulation axis and to the longitudinal central line.
 3. An arm element in accordance with claim 2, wherein the upper end of the inclined front perimeter edge of the connection end of the arm part, and the upper end of its corresponding perimeter surface, are closer to the articulation axis that the lower ends of the same when a load is applied to the arm part, and further away when the load is applied to the securing part.
 4. An arm element in accordance with claim 1, wherein the securing part includes a longitudinal passage that communicates the securing configuration with the hollow interior of the tubular member of the arm part via the connection configuration for the insertion of a tensioning element installed inside the arm part.
 5. An articulated arm for an awning comprising a first and a second arm element, each of which having a tubular member with a hollow interior and first and second connection ends, each with a front perimeter edge, and a securing part at each first and second connection ends that provides an articulated securing configuration, at least one connection configuration and a perimeter surface around said connection configuration where the connection configuration is plugged into the corresponding connection end of the respective arm element and said front perimeter edge of the arm element is supported against said perimeter surface of the corresponding securing part, and where the articulated securing configuration of the first connection end of the first arm element is adapted for linking to a fixed anchor point, the articulated securing configuration of the second connection end of the first arm element and the articulated securing configuration of the first connection end of the second arm element are linked together and the articulated securing configuration of the second connection end of the second arm element is adapted for linking to an awning load bar, wherein in each plug-in connection, the front perimeter edge and its corresponding perimeter surface are orientated according to a transversal plane that is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal line of the corresponding arm element.
 6. An arm element, in accordance with claim 5, wherein the tubular members of the first and second arm elements have a flattened transversal section, with a larger dimension generally orientated in a vertical direction when the awning arm assembly is substantially horizontal, and said articulated securing configurations are adapted to provide a securing that is articulated with respect to axes that are substantially parallel and generally orientated in a vertical direction when the awning arm assembly is substantially horizontal, with, at each plug-in connection, said transversal plane, according to which the perimeter front edge and the associated perimeter surface are orientated, is parallel to a line perpendicular to the axis as well as to the longitudinal line of the corresponding arm element.
 7. An arm element, in accordance with claim 6, wherein the upper ends of the inclined front perimeter edges of the first connection ends of the first and second arm elements and the upper ends of their corresponding perimeter surfaces are closer to their respective axes than the lower ends of the same, and the upper ends of the inclined front perimeter edges of the second connection ends of the first and second arm elements and the upper ends of their corresponding perimeter surfaces are further away from their respective axes than the lower ends of the same.
 8. An arm element, in accordance with claim 5, wherein the securing part of the second connection end of the first arm element includes a longitudinal passageway that communicates the corresponding securing configuration with the hollow interior of the tubular member of the first arm element via the connection configuration for the insertion of a tensioning element installed inside the first arm element, with one end of said tensioning element connected to the securing part of the first connection end of the second arm element in order to create a force torque that tends to situate the first and second arm elements in an extended position. 